Former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown’s entrance into the special Senate election could hinge on a bizarre battle brewing between his pick for chairwoman of the Massachusetts Republican Party and a dark horse candidate who could take the seat after tonight’s GOP election.

“He’s going to have to run in a special election and face another election two years down the road if he wins,” said House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading), who said the election of Brown’s former deputy finance director, Kirsten Hughes, is playing a role in Brown’s decision. “He might find it daunting if the party isn’t united behind him.”

Hughes is facing Rick Green in a neck-and-neck battle that will be decided tonight.

The race to replace U.S. Sen. John F. Kerry has been quickly heating up with U.S. Rep. Edward J. Markey entering the fray along with U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, who is expected to jump in today. Nomination papers will be available Friday, and Brown has a short period to collect signatures and become a force in the six-month race.

“He’s in a position where he has to decide what he needs to do. I hope he runs,” Jones said.